Osaka Castle 🏯 The Rise & Fall of the Shogun
🏯 Today, we’re diving into Osaka Castle, or Osakajo— one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks and a testament to Osaka’s fascinating history. Ready to explore? Let’s get started! 🚶✨ 🏯 Over 2.5 million people visit Osaka Castle each year, making it Osaka’s top attraction! Built in 1583 on the former site of Ishiyama Hongan-ji Temple, construction began under Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who had just unified Japan after succeeding Oda Nobunaga. Hideyoshi envisioned the castle as the heart of Japan and a symbol of the Toyotomi family’s power and wealth. But after Hideyoshi’s death, the Tokugawa forces attacked and destroyed the castle in 1615, bringing an end to the Toyotomi lineage. This gripping story was brought to life in the recent critically acclaimed Shogun TV series, both in Season 1 and the much-anticipated sequel! 📺✨ 🏯 The castle was rebuilt by Tokugawa Hidetada in the 1620s, but in 1665, a lightning strike burned down the main tower, which was never restored during the feudal era. After the fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Osaka Castle became a base for the Imperial Army. The current castle keep was reconstructed in 1931 and has stood resilient for 93 years, withstanding not only the intense bombings of the Pacific War but also numerous natural disasters, including powerful typhoons and earthquakes. 🌪️🌊 🌸 The Nishinomaru Garden is a stunning lawn garden featuring 600 cherry trees and breathtaking views of the Osaka Castle tower! In spring, it transforms into the perfect hanami spot, with the castle keep standing majestically against a sea of pink petals. 🌿🏯✨ A must-visit for cherry blossom lovers! 🌸💖 🏯 Just across from Sakuramon Gate, the southern entrance to the inner bailey, lies Hokoku Shrine. This shrine is dedicated to the Toyotomi family, and at its center stands a bronze statue of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, proudly honoring the castle’s origins and legacy. 🕊️✨ 🌊 Here we are on the east side of the inner moat! The view from here is absolutely stunning! 🏯 Rising above colossal stone walls and sweeping moats, Osaka Castle stands as a timeless echo of the Toyotomi clan’s brief but brilliant power. The inner bailey is surrounded by a water moat and towering stone walls on three sides— east, west, and north. 🚤 A golden Gozabune sightseeing boat glides gracefully around the moat, offering visitors a unique and picturesque view of the castle. Nearby, a plum garden adds to the charm— a peaceful spot perfect for a leisurely stroll or even a refreshing jog along the scenic walkway. 🏃🌿✨ 🏯 Time to explore the main keep of Osaka Castle! But first, check out this massive rock! 🐙 The Octopus Stone, located in front of Sakuramon Gate, is the largest megalith in Osaka Castle, weighing an estimated 130 tons. It was brought here by Ikeda Tadao, the lord of Okayama Domain, during the Tokugawa-era reconstruction. 💪✨ 🔎 The current castle keep, reconstructed in 1931, was inspired by the “Osaka Summer Campaign Screen.” Built on two raised platforms of cut rock, it stands five stories high on the outside and eight stories inside. The lower four floors showcase Tokugawa period architecture with white plaster walls, while the fifth floor reflects Toyotomi style, painted black and adorned with gold leaf and lacquerware. 🏯✨ Let’s get into the castle. The current structure was last renovated in 1997, making it modern and even equipped with an elevator. At the very top, on the 8th floor, you’ll find an open-air observation deck with sweeping 360° views of Osaka. From here, you can admire the castle grounds with their moats and gardens, as well as the modern skyline of Umeda in the distance. Just nearby stands Miraiza, a red-brick building that once served as the Imperial Army’s 4th Division Headquarters To the west lies Nishinomaru Garden, celebrated for its 600 cherry trees that burst into color every spring. Closer to the keep is the smaller Japanese Garden, complete with a pond and stone lanterns, offering a quiet place to pause. And along the Eastern Outer Moat, rows of sakura trees create another picture-perfect scene. Make sure to stop by the 7th floor, where exhibits tell the story of Osaka Castle and the remarkable life of its builder, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The pond here reflects the castle keep beautifully, making it one of the most photogenic spots in the park. Just behind it, a raised platform offers a perfect vantage point over Nishinomaru Garden, especially at sunset. 🌉 Besides Sakuramon Gate, you can also access the inner bailey via the picturesque Gokuraku-bashi Bridge from the north. This charming bridge is another photo-worthy spot you definitely won’t want to miss! 📸🏯✨ 🍁 Osaka Castle isn’t just a springtime wonder! It’s equally breathtaking in autumn, when the vibrant fall foliage creates a stunning backdrop around the castle. 🍂🏯✨ The castle’s majestic white walls and golden accents stand in stunning contrast to the vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow from the surrounding maple and ginkgo trees. Osaka Castle is one of Japan’s most important historical landmarks. The Summer Battle of Osaka in 1615 destroyed the original castle and marked the end of the Sengoku (Warring States) period. This decisive victory cemented Tokugawa dominance and ushered in the Edo period, bringing over 250 years of peace, isolation, and stability to Japan. Tokugawa Ieyasu died the following year, in 1616, at the age of 73. His passing truly signaled the close of the turbulent Warring States era.
Osaka Castle 🏯 The Rise & Fall of the Shogun
🏯 Osaka Castle (大阪城, Ōsakajō) is one of Japan’s most famous landmarks — a symbol of power, beauty, and history. In this video, we explore its dramatic past and stunning present.
Discover how Toyotomi Hideyoshi built the castle as a show of strength, only for it to fall in the Summer Battle of Osaka (1615), which ended the Warring States period and ushered in 250 years of Tokugawa peace.
We’ll take you inside the reconstructed castle keep, last renovated in 1997, complete with modern exhibits and an 8th-floor observation deck offering breathtaking 360° views of Osaka. Along the way, see highlights like the Octopus Stone, Hokoku Shrine, and the red-brick Miraiza building.
🌸 In spring, Nishinomaru Garden bursts into life with 600 cherry trees, while autumn transforms the grounds with fiery maples and golden ginkgo. Don’t miss the peaceful Japanese Garden pond, perfect for reflection shots of the keep, or the photogenic Gokuraku-bashi Bridge.
From history and battles to gardens and city views, Osaka Castle remains a must-visit destination and an unforgettable part of Japan’s cultural heritage.
Timestamps:
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00:00 Intro
00:20 A Brief History
01:46 Nishinomaru Garden
02:32 Hokoku Shrine
03:03 East Inner Moat
03:50 Sakuramon Gate & the Octopus Stone
04:47 Visit the Castle Keep
06:00 Japanese Garden – the Hidden Gem
06:12 The Sunset
06:46 Gokurakubashi Bridge
07:18 View of the Castle Keep at Night
07:50 Osaka Castle in Fall 2024
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